Stephen J. Svoboda, MBA, MS, MFA

East Windsor, CT • 518-***-**** • ad1rbu@r.postjobfree.com • Linkedin.com/in/stephensvoboda

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Leadership Development Learning Experience Design Change Management

Seasoned and resourceful professional with 15+ years of experience driving organizational growth and success through innovative learning strategies and talent development efforts. Proven track record of implementing transformative training programs and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Recognized for attaining substantial improvements in key performance indicators, such as employee retention, engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Possess a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and communities. Demonstrated success in learning facilitation, content creation, and resource and program establishment.

Project Management

Training Needs Assessment

Learning Strategy Development

Team Leadership

Program Development

Human-Centered Design

Coaching & Mentoring

E-Learning Technologies

Cross-functional Collaboration

Technical Skills: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Slate, Banner, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Nearpod, Adobe Creative Suite, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, GarageBand, Audacity, Zoom, SnagIt, Basecamp, Slack, Canvas, Google Classroom, Blackboard, Vyond, Adobe XD, Camtasia, Panopto, Tableau, Power BI

“I don’t think I have ever met anyone with his creativity – it is off the charts. While working with Stephen he had the opportunity to coordinate projects involving numerous people, and his ability to work collaboratively while guiding these projects quickly and effectively was outstanding. Stephen is an effective communicator and has already made a difference at SCA in a short time. Stephen’s sensitivity, diligence, energy, and sense of humor make working with him a joy. I highly recommend him as a welcome addition to any position.” - Laura G., HR Generalist SCA Pharma

Professional Experience

2023 - Present: SCA Pharma – Windsor, CT

Learning & Development Specialist

Provide instructor-led training and e-learning experiences tailored to the needs of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company by utilizing adult learning theory. Offer valuable coaching and mentorship to employee resource groups as a key member of the DE&I leadership council. Apply a proactive approach to learning and development, leverage real-life case studies, and facilitate productive discussions with the team to resolve management issues efficiently.

Established the leader learning series for all levels of the organization, including managers, executives, and front-line leaders.

Devised and executed impactful strategies for effectively addressing various issues, such as attrition, engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, resulting in 20% improvements in key performance indicators.

Transformed the organization's approach to learning and development in achieving sustainable success by fostering leadership and management growth, culminating in a 25% increase in efficiency in training and work productivity and the formation of a positive culture.

Orchestrated the creation of the DE&I Hub, a unique self-paced e-learning platform to empower employees to explore real-world scenarios and access an extensive range of learning materials related to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Contributed to an 18% decrease in attrition rates and a 32% increase in employee retention through comprehensive redesign and implementation of new hire orientation and leadership development initiatives.

Initiated and scaled up the ‘train the trainer’ program, which led to a 25% increase in productivity, higher employee retention, and successful structural change management.

2016 - 2022: Heidelberg University – Tiffin, OH

Director of Curriculum Development & Innovation (2020 – 2022)

Delivered valuable input on product evaluation, budget restructuring, and the evolution of company culture as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership. Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to design the inaugural roadmap, such as charting a well-defined vision, strategy, and success metrics to drive improvements in university enrollment, retention, and goals. Chaired blended learning sessions that covered an array of subjects, including time management, negotiation, conflict resolution, fostering workplace creativity, diverse environments, mock interviews, and professional communication skills. Organized training sessions on sexual harassment, assault, and racial issues in America to promote an inclusive organizational culture. Conducted SWOT analysis using an evaluation rubric to collect valuable data insights and identify profitability and inefficiencies areas. Revamped the university's general education program by incorporating career skills and experiential learning.

Rectified a $2M budget deficit through a comprehensive evaluation of programs and application of necessary modifications.

Coordinated with the academic collaborative leadership team to raise staff morale through mentorship and consensus-building on program adjustments, increasing staff approval of the new General Education program from 30% to 87%.

Enhanced the learning experience for staff and learners across 15+ subject matter areas through the deployment of 50+ program changes, leading to an optimized curriculum aligned with set budgetary constraints.

Established academic programs and blended learning training materials for faculty to improve curriculum delivery and talent development, which contributed to a significant rise in engagement and retention rates from 76% to 83%.

Strengthened the University's market position and boosted profitability by collaboratively assessing business needs with various departments and implementing over 25 blended learning solutions.

Executed market research and organizational needs analysis, culminating in the design of a university-wide general education program that increased market demand by prioritizing inclusive, progressive learning experiences for students.

Created the learning experience for the HYPE Career-Ready program, resulting in securing the highest learner participation rate and receiving the top score in impact evaluations.

Director of Theatre Assistant Professor of Theatre (2016 – 2022)

Functioned as a head of the theatre program, spearheading the development of a comprehensive system for full theater production and successfully transitioning the curriculum from liberal arts focus to a professional training program. Directed a high-performing cross-functional team comprising external contractors and designers to deliver 10 large projects annually in line with strict time and budgetary constraints. Managed all aspects of project finances and provided mentorship to a group of over 50 up-and-coming artists.

Achieved more than 500% enrollment growth from two students to 50 during a six-year tenure by developing 25 courses and programs focused on increasing academic rigor and improving career readiness.

Produced 25 unique courses and experiential learning opportunities by employing blended and adult learning strategies.

Promoted to the role of Director of Curriculum and Innovation, overseeing cross-departmental transformations aimed at enhancing practical job skills and employability within the organization's programs.

Elevated overall Learner Completion by 200% through personalized one-on-one mentoring and the inclusion of gamification, micro-lessons, and embedded digital technology within course materials.

2011 - 2016: Red House Arts Center – Syracuse, NY

Executive Artistic Director

Facilitated career coaching, conflict management, and professional skills training for a diverse group comprising 52 staff, teaching artists, and more than 200 community members. Oversaw the end-to-end processes of recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluation. Championed diversity and community engagement by seamlessly integrating youth-at-risk and adults with disabilities from minority backgrounds into the day-to-day activities and central mission of the organization. Pioneered innovative educational initiatives aimed at reaching state learning objectives by applying technology and experiential engagement.

Drove a significant increase in the annual operating budget from $500K to $4M by steering product redesign and organizational restructuring efforts, deploying staff development programs, and engaging with external partners.

Acquired $9M in funding for the construction of a new facility in collaboration with a real estate company to transform an abandoned building into a theater, retail space, and apartments, leading to a 300% revenue boost and sustainable success.

Leveraged the arts as a means to teach core subjects to over 3K inner-city students daily while successfully extending the project's reach from three schools to eight.

2008 - 2013: Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts – Blue Mt Lake, NY

Executive Artistic Director

Coordinated the budget, scheduling, production mechanics, marketing, sales, human resources, and training aspects for a touring company with over 40 employees. Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure grants and sponsorships with a keen focus on developing sustainable revenue streams to support the organization's mission.

Expanded the range of product offerings, introduced an inclusive learning and development program, and devised a robust marketing framework for a non-profit organization, yielding a 500% sales increase and an additional $300K in funding.

Fostered collaborations with local schools, artists, and cultural institutions to expand educational outreach programs, enriching the lives of students and the broader community through immersive arts experiences.

Built community engagement and cultural enrichment by conceptualizing and executing innovative arts programming and curating diverse visual and performing arts exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.

Earlier experience as Lecturer, Directing & Dramatic Writing for the University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL

Education & Professional Development

Master of Science, Learning Experience Design & Educational Technology / Master of Business Administration, Management & Leadership Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, UT

Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing Ohio University – Athens, OH

Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry & Playwriting Plattsburgh State University – Plattsburgh, NY

Articulate Storyline Project Lab Devlin Peck, devlinpeck.com

Online Teaching & Learning Certified Heidelberg Center for Teaching & Learning

Seminars in Transformational Leadership, Curricular Design, and Assessment, Managing Change AAC&U Conferences

Improv in the Workplace, Role Playing as Training, Developing Presentation, and People Skills Southeastern Theatre Conferences

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